H5 Bird Flu Reaches Southern Ocean, Threatening Australia's Poultry Trade

H5 avian influenza has spread to Australia's sub-Antarctic territories through migratory wildlife rather than commercial poultry routes. Detections in southern elephant seals on Heard Island (November 2025) and additional wildlife species (March 2026) mark the virus's arrival in the Southern Ocean. Australia's government announced preparedness funding on 18 June to protect its mainland poultry sector—a major exporter with significant Asian market access. Trade suspensions under international protocol would follow any mainland detection.